Federal Government Boosts NALDA Funding to N25bn

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority, a key federal agency, is set for a substantial funding increase in the coming year. Its allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Bill has risen to N25 billion, a significant jump from the N7.43 billion it received in 2025.

Last year’s budget was focused solely on capital projects like land acquisition and farm equipment. The new budget outlines a more comprehensive financial plan, dividing funds between day-to-day operations and major development projects.

A total of N1.04 billion is allocated for recurrent expenses, which includes staff salaries, allowances, and administrative overheads for utilities, travel, training, and security.

The bulk of the funding, approximately N23.97 billion, is dedicated to capital expenditure. This includes N2.3 billion for physical assets such as office buildings, vehicles, furniture, and computers, with a large portion earmarked for agricultural machinery. A further N2.62 billion is budgeted for constructing housing, schools, farm facilities, and roads.

The most notable allocation is N19.03 billion set aside for other capital projects, primarily for research and development (N18.87 billion) and project monitoring.

This more than threefold budget increase signals a strategic shift for NALDA. It moves beyond basic land and equipment procurement towards sustained investment in agricultural research, infrastructure, and mechanization, aiming to enhance food production and productivity nationwide.